Method and apparatus for multidirectional pipe runners

ABSTRACT

A multidirectional runner assembly for positioning a carrier pipe within a surrounding casing pipe. Each multidirectional runner assembly has at least one ball transfer assembly at least partially protruding from the runner assembly, in order to contact an inner surface of a surrounding casing pipe. The ball transfer assemblies reduce static and/or kinetic friction forces during installation of a carrier pipe within the central bore of a casing pipe, permit multidirectional orientation of the runners within the casing pipe, and provide greater load support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to pipe runner assemblies having frictionreducing elements. More particularly, the present invention pertains tomultidirectional pipe runners, capable of being mounted to pipe bodies,having friction reducing element disposed in said runners. Moreparticularly still, the present invention pertains to pipe runnershaving ball transfer assemblies, allowing carrier pipe (and runners) toroll through surrounding casing pipe instead of merely sliding throughsaid surrounding pipe.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

In many conventional piping systems, an outer casing pipe is frequentlyutilized as a conduit for containing some part of at least one carrierpipe; said at least one carrier pipe can be installed within a centralthrough bore of said outer casing pipe or conduit. Among other benefits,said casing pipe guides installation of said carrier pipe throughsubterranean strata or other surroundings. Such casing pipe can alsoserve to insulate and protect the carrier pipe(s) contained within saidcasing pipe from external environmental forces or harmful materials.

Frequently, so-called “casing runners” are affixed to the outer surfaceof a carrier pipe. Said runners typically extend radially outward fromsaid outer surface of said carrier pipe, and are used to keep carrierpipes in a desired position or alignment within a central through boreof said surrounding casing pipe. In the case of gravity flow lines, saidrunners can be used to maintain the carrier pipe at a desired grade orposition along the length of a surrounding casing pipe. Said runners canalso act as spacers or centralizers, forming a “stand-off” distance orannular space between the outer surface of the carrier pipe(s) and theinner surface of the surrounding casing pipe.

Although other configurations can be utilized, said pipe runnerstypically comprise elongate fins or blade-like extensions that areoriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said carrierpipe. Further, said pipe runners are grouped together in spacedrelationship at multiple predetermined positions along the length of thecarrier pipe(s), and are disposed in desired phasing around the outercircumference of said carrier pipe(s).

During installation of a carrier pipe within an outer casing pipe, saidcarrier pipe (along with attached runners) typically must slide throughthe central bore of said surrounding casing pipe. When sliding saidcarrier pipe through said central bore of said casing pipe, frictionalforces generated between the outer surfaces of said runners and theinner surface of the casing pipe can make such installation moredifficult, particularly with larger carrier pipes. Such frictionalforces can require significant force to “push” carrier pipe(s),particularly over long distances; when such frictional force reaches acertain threshold, the carrier pipe (and attached runners) can stopadvancing within the casing pipe, and can even “corkscrew” within thecentral bore of a casing pipe as force continues to be applied to saidcarrier pipe.

Such frictional forces can also cause runners to abrade and/or wearaway, particularly runners that are made of polymer, thermoplastic resinor other synthetic material. The amount of such wear of said runners isgenerally dependent on the weight of the carrier pipe, as well as thelength or distance of the installation. Excessive wear on said runnerscan impact or change the size and shape of the runners and, thus, theconfiguration of an installation. As a result, the use of runners canfrequently negatively impact installations and/or project configurationsdue to the existence of such frictional forces.

Unidirectional rollers have been installed on runners to aid with suchinstallation. Generally, such roller assemblies comprise a rollerdisposed within a channel formed in at least one outwardly facingsurface of a runner. Such roller assemblies can lessen the effect offrictional forces acting on the runners, particularly duringinstallation operations. However, when not mounted correctly,conventional unidirectional rollers can cause carrier pipe to spiralwithin the central through bore of casing pipe. Further, the carrierpipe can eventually tip over from the rollers riding up the internalsurfaces of the casing.

Thus, there is a need for a pipe runner that reduces frictional forces,particularly during installation operations within a casing pipe. Saidpipe runner should allow for multidirectional friction reduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a multidirectional runner assembly foruse on carrier pipe including, without limitation, carrier pipeinstalled within a central through bore of a surrounding casing pipe.The multidirectional runner assembly of the present invention, whichsolves problems commonly encountered with conventional unidirectionalroller systems, significantly reduces frictional forces acting on saidrunner assemblies during installation of carrier pipe within surroundingcasing pipe. Installation of carrier pipe equipped with themultidirectional runner assembly of the present invention is faster andrequires less force to move/drive said carrier pipe within the bore of asurrounding casing pipe.

The multidirectional runner assembly of the present invention comprisesat least one ball transfer assembly that reduces frictional forces, andthus eliminates runner wear, allowing longer pipe installationdistances. Said at least one ball transfer assembly enables runners tohave multidirectional movement along virtually any axis. Further, saidball transfer assemblies keep said carrier pipe centered due to gravityand the weight of the carrier pipe which prevents said carrier pipe fromtipping over or spiraling in said casing pipe during installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of thepreferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certainpreferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention isnot limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in suchdrawings or figures.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded end view of a first embodiment of amultidirectional runner assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 an exploded end view of a second embodiment of a multidirectionalrunner assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of multidirectional roller assembly ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an overhead view of a partially disassembledmultidirectional roller assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a side sectional view of multidirectional roller assemblyof the present invention along line A-A of FIG. 4 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded end view of a first embodiment of amultidirectional runner assembly 100 of the present invention. In apreferred embodiment, said multidirectional runner assembly comprises aband assembly that can be installed around the outer circumferentialsurface of a length of a pipe (such as, for example, a carrier pipe tobe installed within a casing pipe).

Although other configurations can be envisioned without departing fromthe scope of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment said bandassembly comprises first substantially semi-circular band member 110having outwardly extending connection flanges 112, and secondsubstantially semi-circular band member 111 having outwardly extendingconnection flanges 113. Said first band member 110 and second bandmember 111 can be constructed of metal, and can be joined together withflanges 112 and 113 disposed in opposing relationship. In a preferredembodiment, said first band member 110 and second band member 111 arejoined together using mating threaded bolts 120 disposed through alignedapertures in said flanges 112 and 113, and threaded nuts 121 (althoughother known fastening means such as, for example, band clamps or othermechanical fasteners can also be used to secure said first and secondband members together).

At least one optional riser member 115 can be attached to first bandmember 110 or second band member 111. Said riser members 115 generallycomprise support platforms that extend radially outward from the outersurface of said band members 110 and/or 111. In the embodiment depictedin FIG. 1 , two riser members 115 are disposed on the outer surface ofsecond band member 111; however, it is to be observed that the specificnumber, placement and configuration of said riser members 115 can beadjusted to meet particular operational or job parameters. Threadedstuds or bolts 116 can extend radially outward from riser members 115,or directly from the outer surface of a band member (such as first bandmember 110, as depicted in FIG. 1 ).

Multidirectional runner body members 140 have at least one bore 141 forreceiving a ball transfer assembly 130. Said runner body members 140 canbe attached to band members 110 and/or 111 using threaded bolts 116 andmating threaded nuts; said multidirectional runner body members 140 canbe attached to riser members 115, or directly to the outer surface of aband member (such as first band member 110, as depicted in FIG. 1 ). Itis to be observed that the specific number, placement and configurationof said runner body members 140 can be adjusted to meet particularoperational or other job parameters. In a preferred embodiment, saidrunner body members have an elongate wedge shape having tapered sides;said shape can also comprise a rectangular prism or a truncatedtriangular prism. Each of said ball transfer assemblies 130 generallycomprises at least one ball bearing 132 rotatably disposed within ahousing 131.

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded end view of a second embodiment of amultidirectional runner assembly 200 of the present invention. Althoughother configurations can be envisioned without departing from the scopeof the present invention, in a preferred embodiment said band assemblycomprises first substantially semi-circular band member 210 havingoutwardly extending connection flanges 212, and second substantiallysemi-circular band member 211 having outwardly extending connectionflanges 213. Said first band member 210 and second band member 211 canbe constructed of polyethylene and/or other synthetic material, and canbe joined together with flanges 212 and 213 disposed in opposingrelationship. In a preferred embodiment, said first band member 210 andsecond band member 211 are joined together using mating threaded bolts220 disposed through aligned apertures in said flanges 212 and 213, andthreaded nuts 221 (although other known fastening means such as, forexample, band clamps or other mechanical fasteners can also be used tosecure said first and second band members together).

At least one optional radial protrusion 215 can be attached to firstband member 210 or second band member 211. Said radial protrusions 215generally comprise protrusions or members that extend radially outwardfrom the outer surface of said band members 210 and/or 211. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 2 , two radial protrusions 215 are disposedon the outer surface of second band member 211; however, it is to beobserved that the specific number, placement and configuration of saidradial protrusions 215 can be adjusted to meet particular operational orjob parameters, and can be selectively disposed on one or both bandmembers.

Multidirectional runner body members 240 have at least one bore 241 forreceiving a ball transfer assembly 230. Said runner body members 240 canbe attached to band members 210 and/or 211 using vulcanized welding toradial protrusions 215, adhesive(s), mechanical fastener(s) and/orcombinations thereof. It is to be observed that the specific number,placement and configuration of said runner body members 240 can beadjusted to meet particular operational or other job parameters. Saidball transfer assemblies 230 generally comprise at least one ballbearing 232 rotatably disposed within a housing 231.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of multidirectional runner body member140 of the present invention with a plurality of ball transferassemblies 130 received and installed within bores 141, not visible inFIG. 3 . It is to be observed that the specific number, placement andconfiguration of said ball transfer assemblies 130 can be adjusted tomeet particular operational or other job parameters. Ball bearings 132extend outward from runner body member 140 and protrude a desireddistance beyond upper outer surface 143, thereby permitting said ballbearings 132 to contact the inner surface of a surrounding casing pipe.The height of runner body member 140 (depicted as dimension “H” in FIG.3 ), the number and spacing of ball transfer assemblies 130, as well asthe distance that ball bearings 132 protrude beyond upper outer surface143, may be adjusted to meet particular operational and/or jobparameters. As depicted in FIG. 3 , multiple ball transfer assemblies130 are disposed in axial alignment along the length of runner bodymember 140.

FIG. 4 depicts an overhead view of a partially disassembledmultidirectional runner body member 140 of the present invention with aplurality of bores 141, and a single ball transfer assembly 130 receivedand installed within one of said bores 141. Ball bearing 132 of balltransfer assembly 131 extends outward from runner body member 140 andprotrudes a desired distance beyond upper outer surface 143. As depictedin FIG. 4 , a through bore 146 extends through the base of bore 141,while a countersunk recessed area 145 surrounds said bore 146.

FIG. 5 depicts a side sectional view of said partially disassembledmultidirectional runner body member 140 along line A-A of FIG. 4 . Themultidirectional runner body member 140 contains a ball transferassembly 130, which can be secured in place within a bore 141 viafrictional press fit, adhesive(s), over-molding, mechanical fastener(s)and/or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a through bore146 extends through the base of at least one bore 141, while acountersunk recessed area 145 surrounds said bore(s) 146. Saidcountersunk recessed area 145 provides clearance to receive a drivesocket of a socket or other tool used to turn a nut or other mechanicalfastener disposed within said countersunk recessed area.

Ball transfer assemblies 130 and/or components thereof (such as, forexample, ball bearing 132) can be formed from various materialsincluding, without limitation, polymers and alloys, in order toaccommodate particular operational and/or job parameters. Said balltransfer assemblies 130 can be numbered and/or spaced on said runnerbody member 140, and said runner body members 140 in turn can benumbered and/or spaced along the outer surface of a pipe, in order tomaximize weight and/or load capacity.

The multidirectional runners of the present invention can comprisemultiple ball transfers assemblies affixed to a single runner. Said balltransfer assemblies can be used on runners having different geometricstructures, dimensions and/or configurations, while permitting variousmethods of mounting.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features thatshould preferably be employed in combination, although each is usefulseparately without departure from the scope of the invention. While thepreferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and describedherein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and thatcertain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific mannerof practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea orprinciples of the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A friction-reducing runner apparatus for carrierpipe comprising: a) an elongated body section configured for attachmentto said carrier pipe, wherein said body section comprises at least oneouter surface having at least one bore disposed therein; and b) amultidirectional bearing assembly received within said at least onebore, wherein the position of said multidirectional bearing assembly canbe adjusted to extend a predetermined distance beyond said at least oneouter surface of said body section.
 2. The friction-reducing runnerapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a band member attached to saidelongated body section.
 3. The friction-reducing runner apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein said band member is configured for attachment to anexternal surface of said carrier pipe.
 4. The friction-reducing runnerapparatus of claim 2, wherein said band member is at least partiallyconstructed of metal or polyethylene.
 5. The friction-reducing runnerapparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongated body section is orientedparallel to the longitudinal axis of said carrier pipe.
 6. Thefriction-reducing runner apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidmulti-directional bearing assembly comprises a ball transfer assembly.7. The friction-reducing runner apparatus of claim 6, wherein said balltransfer assembly is at least partially constructed of a polymer.
 8. Afriction-reducing runner apparatus for carrier pipe comprising: a) anelongated body section configured for attachment to said carrier pipe,wherein said body section comprises at least one outer surface having atleast one bore disposed therein; b) a band member attached to saidelongated body section; and c) a multidirectional bearing assemblyreceived within said at least one bore, wherein the position of saidmultidirectional bearing assembly can be adjusted to extend apredetermined distance beyond said at least one outer surface.
 9. Thefriction-reducing runner apparatus of claim 8, wherein said band memberis configured for attachment to an external surface of said carrierpipe.
 10. The friction-reducing runner apparatus of claim 8, whereinsaid elongated body section is oriented parallel to the longitudinalaxis of said carrier pipe.
 11. The friction-reducing runner apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said multi-directional bearing assembly comprises aball transfer assembly.
 12. The friction-reducing runner apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein said ball transfer assembly is at least partiallyconstructed of a polymer.
 13. The friction-reducing runner apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said band member is at least partially constructed ofmetal or polyethylene.
 14. A method of installing a carrier pipe into apipeline comprising: a) installing a friction-reducing runner apparatuson said carrier pipe, wherein said friction-reducing runner apparatuscomprises: i) an elongated body section configured for attachment tosaid carrier pipe, wherein said body section comprises at least oneouter surface having at least one bore disposed therein; ii) amultidirectional bearing assembly received within said at least onebore, wherein the position of said multidirectional bearing assembly canbe adjusted to extend a predetermined distance beyond said at least oneouter surface; and b) inserting said carrier pipe and said at least onefriction-reducing runner apparatus into said pipeline.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein said friction-reducing runner apparatus furthercomprises a band member attached to said elongated body section.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein said elongated body section is orientedparallel to the longitudinal axis of said carrier pipe.
 17. The methodof claim 15, wherein said band member is at least partially constructedof metal or polyethylene.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein saidmulti-directional bearing assembly comprises a ball transfer assembly.19. The method of claim 18, wherein said ball transfer assembly is atleast partially constructed of a polymer.